What is meant by 'liability' in finance?

In finance, the term 'liability' refers specifically to a legal obligation or debt that a company or individual is required to pay in the future. This can include loans, mortgages, accounts payable, and any other financial obligations that must be settled over time. Liabilities are an essential component of a company's balance sheet and are used to assess its financial health.

Understanding liabilities is crucial in assessing a business's solvency and overall financial position, as they represent claims against the company’s assets. This concept plays a key role in financial analyses and decision-making, providing insight into how a company finances its operations and obligations.

The other options refer to different financial concepts. For example, assets are resources owned by a company, while a source of capital relates to funds available for investment, and estimates of future income pertain to forecasting revenue rather than obligations.